Foxtel commissions Crimes That Shook Australia

Foxtel has announced a new true crime series for the Ci Network, Crimes that Shook Australia, a local version of The Crimes That Shook Britain.

To be produced by Title Role Productions, it will be presented by SKY News anchor Stan Grant.

The 6 x 60 minute series will look at the biggest crimes to hit Australia – told through the eyes of the people at the heart of the tragedies.

Through gripping interviews, dramatic reconstructions and archival footage, Crimes That Shook Australia will detail the events leading up to the crime, the crime itself and the aftermath.

The stories documented in the six-part series include the Port Arthur tragedy and the disappearance of schoolgirl Ebony Simpson.

Foxtel’s General Manager of Factual Channels, Jim Buchan said “Following the success of the original Crimes That Shook Britain series and identifying that there are many iconic, confronting untold stories yet to be featured on Ci, it was a natural step to commission a series focusing on Australia’s own crimes.

“International correspondent, journalist and broadcaster Stan Grant brings real credibility to the series and the UK production team from Title Role provide a unique perspective and great objectivity when working with all involved in the show.”

Stan Grant said “Crime is endlessly, endlessly fascinating, horrifying and frequently baffling, we just can’t look away. But beyond the morbid curiosity, crime tells us something about who we are, the type of society we’ve created.

“This series is a dark alternative history of our times. It doesn’t just tell the stories of the crimes that have horrified us, but goes beyond that to probe why? How? To try to make sense of what is often beyond our understanding.

“This series won’t just relive these shocking events, it will ask us to re-evaluate the world we live in.”

Crimes that Shook Australia is a Foxtel commission, produced by Title Role Productions Ltd and exclusive to Crime & Investigation Network. The series will premiere in April, 2014.